The Green Tips Advent Calendar window today opens for you to Swap, don’t Shop, it’s like trading with a difference. You can swap things or even time in exchange for other things. Swap clothes, books, toys and almost anything with friends, family, your local community or with us.
Our ‘Swap Shop’ recognises that things no longer wanted by someone, might be another person’s treasure. By reusing things we cut down on the amount of waste that goes into landfill and reduce the amount of resources that we use in manufacturing of new products. And it saves money!
Wellingborough Swap Shop is a local exchange where you can get something you want by swapping things you no longer need or by making a small donation to the group. You could describe it as a kind of bring-and-buy sale with the option to swap.
What you offer is entirely up to you, as long as it’s legal, not hazardous or not a pet. Examples include: clothes, school uniform, books, DVDs and CDs, kitchenware, pictures, tools, gardening items, curtains and other soft furnishings, children’s toys and baby items.
Join in at ECO HUB, Glamis Hall, this and every Tuesday 12-6pm and every Thursday 10am-2pm, for lots of good quality clothes, toys, books, DVDs and household items, all available for swaps or a small donation.
Host a Clothes Swap
Rather than buying new clothes in the sales, or at the beginning of each season, why not host a clothes swap with friends and family? People often discard clothes they no longer like, have forgotten to return, that no longer fit, or that they don’t have space for. One person’s trash could be another person’s treasure!
To host a clothes swap, you’ll need to:
- Pick a location (this could be your house, or even your garden in sunny weather).
- Set up a rail or space to hang or lay out the clothing.
- Ask people to bring a few items they no longer wear, but remind people to make sure they’re not stained or broken.
- You could even combine it with another occasion like a movie night, a garden party, or a night out.
If you have clothes left over, consider selling them on second-hand websites or donating them to charity or our Swap Shop. If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, you could scale up your event to your local neighbourhood or community.
Clothes swaps are a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without contributing to the impacts of fast fashion. Producing clothing requires land, energy and raw materials, all of which have a big impact on the environment and on people around the world. The UK is one of the most wasteful countries in Europe, throwing away over 200,000 tonnes of textiles every year. Additionally, a clothes swap is a great opportunity to socialise and have fun with friends – and declutter your wardrobe by getting rid of clothing you no longer wear.
Whether you swap with family and friends, organise your own swapping event or join us at ECO HUB for Wellingborough Swap Shop, by swapping clothing or other items with others you can save money, avoid waste and reduce demand for raw materials. Christmas is a great opportunity to swap too, why not get something you want for something you no longer need? Have a Merry Christmas!
Source ‘Host a Clothes Swap‘ WWF